The new offering, which is in advanced stages of securing regulatory and partner approvals, is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2026.
Like Fuliza, Airtel’s overdraft will allow users to complete transactions such as payments, transfers or airtime purchases even when their wallet balances are insufficient, with the shortfall automatically repaid once money is received.
Airtel has suggested that its overdraft product will come with lower charges, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to Fuliza. This move reflects growing criticism of high mobile money fees in Kenya and aligns with the company’s broader strategy of driving financial inclusion by reducing costs for users.
Airtel Money’s managing director, Anne Kinuthia‑Otieno, has publicly highlighted the need for more affordable mobile money services, arguing that high transaction costs inhibit broader financial participation.
Safaricom’s Fuliza, launched in 2019 in partnership with NCBA and KCB, dominates Kenya’s short‑term mobile credit space, with millions of active users and tens of billions of shillings in loans disbursed annually.
The product has become deeply embedded in the daily financial routines of Kenyans, enabling them to bridge temporary cash shortfalls without formal loan applications. Airtel’s entry into this market could disrupt Fuliza’s stronghold and offer consumers more choice.
Airtel Money currently holds a much smaller share of Kenya’s mobile money market compared with Safaricom, but introducing competitive financial products like the overdraft service could help the company grow its user base and usage.
As competition intensifies, users may benefit from better pricing and more innovative offerings, though the impact on responsible lending and long‑term debt will be closely watched by regulators and customers alike.
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